Investigate:

Historians agree that Social Security is at the heart of New Deal reform. Given that, what does Social Security tell us about the set of policies and programs called the New Deal?

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Key Events Surrounding Social Security

Stock Market crashes

October, 1929

Roosevelt elected president.

Nov. 8, 1932

First "Hundred Days" session—Congress enacts many programs of the New Deal

March 9 - June 16, 1933

Roosevelt delivers first of many fireside chats, explaining to Americans his New Deal measures

March 12, 1933

Twenty-first Amendment goes into effect ending prohibition

Dec. 5, 1933

Roosevelt marks Second New Deal, building on programs of First Hundred Days, with message to Congress

Jan. 4, 1935

Social Security Act passed

Aug. 14, 1935

Huey Long assassinated

Sept. 8, 1935

Roosevelt elected to second term

Nov. 3, 1936

Supreme Court Rules that the Social Security Act is constitutional

May 24, 1937

Roosevelt proposes no new domestic legislation, instead focuses on threats to democracy abroad, in annual message to Congress

Jan. 1, 1939

Hitler invades Poland

Sept. 1, 1939

Roosevelt elected to third term

Nov. 7, 1940

Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, and the United States enters World War II

Dec. 7, 1941